In the longstanding tradition of mystical Jews and lifestyle publications, we bring you New Moon Readings. They aren’t fortune telling or magic, and they’re not about luck or a mysterious power. They draw upon on the wise monthly themes of the Hebrew calendar, the influence of the solar system on our daily lives, and, sometimes, totally pagan prognostication tools (tarot!) to guide us.
This is New Moon Reading is brought to you by At The Well.
Kislev is a month with very special meaning. In Hebrew, kis means “pocket.” Lev means “heart.” Put them together, and you get a little piece of poetry: “Pocket of the heart.” Kislev asks us to reach down deep and close a hand around our heart’s desires.
Now is the time to rekindle our dreams.
Last month, in Cheshvan, we were in the muck. Sifting through the hardship of the post-High Holiday let down, we were hustling hard to make good on our Rosh Hashanah resolutions. In this new month of Kislev, we enter a time of miracles and gain the ability to see the full spectrum of light, all the more brightly as winter comes on.
Kislev also offers a healing quality of sleep. Jewish sages teach that when we sleep, our souls ascend to a higher world and “see the light.” Speaking of light, this month we also celebrate Hanukkah, which is all about bringing light to dark moments and rejoicing in miracles.
Combining the themes of illumination and vision, our spiritual teachers say Kislev is an auspicious month to meditate on life’s purpose, move past our own limiting beliefs, and receive guidance – perhaps in our dreams – about how to live fully.
Each person walks through the the world with a desire to make an impact.
Somewhere, somehow, we get tripped up, whether by self doubt or fear of rejection or failure. Our untapped potential leaves us depressed and shackled to pessimistic minds and scared egos.
During Kislev, we’re commanded to have faith, follow our hearts, and move forward, even if we can’t make out a clear path. It’s a funny thing, faith; it asks us to step forward with trust and fearlessness.
In Kislev, challenge yourself to move beyond logic.
Keep your eyes open for miracles along the way. Find a way to move forward. Stop looking for excuses about why you can’t. The mind, desperately wanting to understand, seeks answers.
Kislev urges us to try something different. Take a break from thinking. Like the month’s name says, drop into the pocket of the heart!
This New Moon Reading is brought to you by At The Well, which connects women to body, soul, and community through wellness education and Jewish spirituality. Get the full At The Well guide to Kislev here.
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